The Minnesota Twins are entering the most important stretch of their season, and the timing could hardly be worse. With only 29 games left and the team sitting three games out of the American League Wild Card race, Minnesota may now have to navigate the playoff push without its biggest offensive weapon, Byron Buxton.
Buxton, who leads the Twins with 25 home runs, left Tuesday’s game against the Athletics after an awkward attempt to field a ball in the seventh inning. The veteran outfielder appeared to be in discomfort immediately, creating an all-too-familiar concern for a player whose talent has often been matched by frustrating injury problems.
Just a night earlier, Buxton looked like he was finding his rhythm, going 3-for-5 with a walk and a run in Minnesota’s 9-6 victory over Oakland. Now, however, the Twins are waiting for another injury update at precisely the moment they need their star most.
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Buxton’s Awkward Exit Raises Concern
The injury occurred in the bottom of the seventh inning with Taj Bradley on the mound. Oakland’s Henry Bolte hit a ground ball into the right-center gap, sending Buxton toward the ball.
What looked like a routine defensive opportunity quickly turned into a worrying scene.
Buxton could not get his glove on the ball. After it rolled past him, he slowed down and bent over at the waist, clearly struggling to continue the play. Bolte eventually raced all the way to third base.
Twins manager Derek Shelton and athletic trainer Jason Kirkman immediately came onto the field to check on Buxton. After a brief discussion, Buxton walked off the field.
Shelton said afterward that the team would “wait and see” how Buxton responds. Minnesota will also follow concussion protocol before determining the full extent of the injury.
For Twins fans, that phrase probably produced the same reaction it usually does: Here we go again.
Another Injury Comes at a Brutal Time
Buxton’s health has been a major storyline throughout his career. The 32-year-old is playing under a seven-year, $100 million contract extension that runs through the 2028 season.
The deal includes significant performance incentives, potentially allowing Buxton to earn as much as $25.5 million per year if he remains healthy and reaches elite production levels.
When healthy, there is little question about his impact.
Buxton is hitting .254 with 25 home runs and 46 RBIs this season, providing the Twins with a rare combination of power, speed and defensive ability. The problem has been keeping him on the field consistently.
Since making his MLB debut in 2015, Buxton has never completed a season with more than 150 games played. Injuries have repeatedly interrupted his momentum.
This season has been no different.
Hip Problems Have Followed Buxton
Buxton was placed on the 10-day injured list in July because of a right hip impingement and received a cortisone injection. The issue also forced him to miss the All-Star Game.
He returned on July 20, but the comeback was short-lived. Just eight days later, another setback sent him back to the injured list, and he ultimately missed 14 games after receiving another injection in his hip.
That history makes Tuesday’s incident even more concerning.
Shelton indicated that Buxton’s hip may have played a role in the latest problem, explaining that the issue appeared to “catch” when Buxton tried to stop while approaching the ball.
The concern is particularly notable because Buxton missed the final 42 regular-season games in 2022 after suffering a serious right hip flexor strain.
Since returning from his latest hip impingement, his production has also dropped sharply. He has posted a .180/.286/.213 slash line with a 45 wRC+ and no home runs during that stretch.
That is a long way from the impact Minnesota expects from its highest-profile offensive star.
Who Could Replace Buxton?
If Buxton is forced to miss additional time, Minnesota will have to get creative.
One obvious possibility is Walker Jenkins, the Twins’ top prospect at Triple-A St. Paul. Jenkins has been impressive in 67 games, hitting .306/.406/.525 with 31 extra-base hits, 48 runs, 27 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.
Luke Keaschall is another internal option. He has experience playing center field and has frequently stepped into the leadoff role when Buxton receives a rest day.
During Tuesday’s game, Keaschall moved from right field to center following Buxton’s departure.
Trevor Larnach could then help stabilize the corner-outfield spots. He moved into left field after Buxton exited, giving Minnesota another flexible option.
Alan Roden is also a possibility after previously being called up during Buxton’s July injury absence.
The Twins have bodies. What they don’t have is an easy way to replace everything Buxton brings to the lineup.
Twins’ Playoff Push Suddenly Gets More Difficult
Minnesota is only three games behind in the American League Wild Card race, making every remaining game increasingly important.
That makes Buxton’s status one of the biggest storylines for the Twins over the final 29 games.
Minnesota can survive a short absence by leaning on its prospects and adjusting the outfield rotation. But if Buxton is sidelined for an extended period, the challenge becomes much bigger.
His 25 home runs, speed and ability to change a game with one swing are difficult to duplicate. Even when he is not producing at his best, opposing pitchers still have to account for him.
The Twins now face a nervous wait as they determine the severity of Byron Buxton’s latest injury. Minnesota remains firmly within striking distance of the AL Wild Card, but the margin for error is shrinking by the day.
If Buxton can return quickly, the Twins will have a major boost for their playoff chase. If not, players such as Walker Jenkins, Luke Keaschall and Trevor Larnach will be asked to fill a massive void.
With only 29 games remaining, Minnesota’s postseason hopes may depend on how quickly its most important star can get back on the field.
FAQ:
What happened to Byron Buxton?
Byron Buxton left the Twins’ game against the Athletics after an awkward attempt to field a ball in the seventh inning. He appeared to experience discomfort while moving toward the ball.
Is Byron Buxton injured?
The Twins had not yet determined the full extent of Buxton’s injury. Manager Derek Shelton said the team would “wait and see” how he responds before making a final determination.
Did Byron Buxton’s hip cause the injury?
Shelton suggested that Buxton’s known hip issue may have contributed to the discomfort when he tried to stop while pursuing the ball.
How important is Byron Buxton to the Twins?
Buxton is one of Minnesota’s most important players. He leads the team with 25 home runs and provides power, speed and elite defensive ability when healthy.
How many games are left for the Twins?
The Twins have 29 regular-season games remaining, making Buxton’s health particularly important as Minnesota fights for an AL Wild Card spot.
Who could replace Byron Buxton?
The Twins have several internal options, including Walker Jenkins, Luke Keaschall, Trevor Larnach and Alan Roden. Jenkins is considered the most highly anticipated prospect among the group.
What are Walker Jenkins’ 2026 numbers?
At Triple-A St. Paul, Jenkins has hit .306/.406/.525 with 31 extra-base hits, 48 runs, 27 RBIs and 16 stolen bases across 67 games.
What is Byron Buxton’s contract?
Buxton is playing under a seven-year, $100 million contract extension with the Twins that runs through the 2028 season.
Why has Buxton missed so much time?
Injuries have been a recurring issue throughout Buxton’s career. This season, he has dealt with a right hip impingement that required cortisone injections and multiple injured-list stints.
Could Buxton’s injury hurt the Twins’ playoff chances?
Yes. Minnesota is only three games out of the AL Wild Card race, so losing one of its top offensive players for an extended period could make the final stretch considerably more difficult.
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